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Shidhatha resigns, Aishath Mohamed Didi recommended as new gender minister

Fathmath Shaahunaz
06 February 2020, MVT 12:22
The former Gender Minister Shidhatha Shareef (L) and the newly appointed Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi. FILE PHOTO
Fathmath Shaahunaz
06 February 2020, MVT 12:22

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday recommended to appoint the incumbent Ambassador of Maldives to India, Aishath Mohamed Didi, as the new Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services.

The president made the announcement following the resignation of the former gender minister, Shidhatha Shareef.

In a tweet, President Solih confirmed that he has received her resignation and thanked her for her service.

Ambassador Aishath Mohamed Didi, is also the Non-Resident Ambassador of Maldives to Bhutan.

Shidhatha stepped down amidst harsh public criticism over a series of child sexual abuse and paedophilia cases that came to light over January and this month, including allegations against the former Disability Ambassador Ahmed Hishan. It recently surfaced that the gender ministry had been aware of the allegations against Hishan but did not take any action.

Following this case, the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) called for Shidhatha's dismissal and on Wednesday approved to file a motion of no confidence if she did not resign.

However, according to local media, Shidhatha maintained that she was not guilty of negligence in performing her lawful duties, when she informed the gender ministry staff of her decision to step down during an emergency meeting on Thursday morning. She reportedly stated that she chose to resign as it was in the best interests of the current circumstances.

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